Iceland 0-1 Scotland
Saturday 7 March 2020
Pinatar Cup
Pinatar Arena

Scotland: Abbi Grant (55’)

Scotland made it two wins out of two in the Pinatar Cup with a dominant performance against Iceland.

A second half strike from Abbi Grant handed Scotland the win and Ukraine's 4-0 win over Northern Ireland later in the day meant Shelley Kerr's side have won the Pinatar Cup before they play their final game.

Shelley Kerr made a host of changes to the team that beat Ukraine on Wednesday with only Caroline Weir, Claire Emslie and Hannah Godfrey retaining their starting berths.

Christie Murray was bright from the off and went close with a powerful drive from the edge of the box early on which was well turned away by the Iceland ‘keeper Siguroardottir.

The chances continued to come for Scotland. Notably, Chelsea forward Erin Cuthbert went close with a fierce strike from 20 yards out and Abbi Grant passed up a great opportunity from close range when played in by Weir, firing her shot over the bar.

Although there were no goals to show for Scotland’s control at the break, Kerr would have been pleased at the number of times her side were able to carve open a disciplined Iceland side.

Sure enough, Scotland’s persistence was rewarded in the 55th minute when Grant opened the scoring with her first goal for the national team. The Birmingham City forward cut in from the right and curled a shot into the far corner with her left foot, to give her side a deserved lead.

Scotland continued to press for another goal and were unlucky not to score when Cuthbert had a pop from distance, this time her effort flashed narrowly over the bar. The ever-involved Emslie then fired a low shot across the face of goal which was well dealt with by Siguroardottir.

Emma Mitchell also went close late on when she latched on to a cross from substitute Lizzie Arnot at the far post, but there was no one close enough to convert her header across the face of goal.

Reaction

Abbi Grant said: “It was really warm out there but we dealt with the conditions well and moved the ball effectively, not giving Iceland much of a chance.

“It was my first start for Scotland today so to get a goal was the icing on the cake. I feel like the first chance I had was probably the easiest but I was happy to hit the net in the end.

"For my goal, I just saw the chance open up for me and thought I would just have a go. To score for Scotland was a special feeling.

“It’s been an enjoyable week. Everyone is getting a great opportunity. I’m loving being back with the girls and we’re all wanting to end the camp on a high.

"Northern Ireland will be another tough test but we’re high on confidence at the moment so we’ll be aiming for another win to secure the Pinatar Cup.”

What’s Next?

Scotland play their final game of the Pinatar Cup on Tuesday when they face Northern Ireland, having already secured first place in the tournament. The two sides last met in 2015.

Scotland were 4-0 winners on that day, with Jane Ross and Caroline Weir both hitting a double.

The game will be shown live on BBC Alba, 7.30pm (UK time).

Northern Ireland are currently ranked 56th in the world.

Tuesday, 10 March 2020
Iceland v Ukraine
Kick-off 2pm (UK time)
Pinatar Arena

Tuesday, 10 March 2020
Northern Ireland v Scotland
Kick-off 7.30 pm (UK time)
Pinatar Arena
Live on BBC ALBA

Team

Scotland: Alexander, Mitchell, Corsie, Boyle, Weir, Crichton, Murray (Graham, 77’), Grant (Arnot, 77’), Emslie, Cuthbert, Godfrey

Unused substitutes: Lynn, Fife, Docherty, Lauder, Ross, Muir, Howard, Thomas, Kerr

By Joshua Barrie